2019 Projects

Freedom Foods Group - 1.28 MW

Phase One (1.28 MW) of the 4 MW rooftop solar PV system was recently completed by AEES Group at the Shepparton dairy processing facility of Freedom Foods Group Limited (FFGL). This project complements FFGL's five-year sustainability plan, with the primary aim of reducing energy costs and improving power quality at the site. In addition to the 4 MW of rooftop Solar PV is the installation of a 2 MVA Voltage Optimisation (VO) Unit for the UHT operations building. Also installed will be a 500 kW / 1050 kWh Tesla Powerpack energy storage system for protecting critical load at the plant room. This will eliminate costly production failures. These three sets of technology are estimated to reduce grid derived electricity by as much as 36%.

Innovative 3rd party finance arranged by AEES Group enables the whole of system to be paid for out of savings made from the grid. The project has been made possible through the support of Regional Development Victoria (RDV), with a significant grant of $1.6 million. RDV’s assistance contributes towards reducing payback on both the renewable and energy efficiency technologies. AEES Group has designed, procured and constructed the project, split over three phases.

Andrew Peace Wines - 375 kW

Being one of Australia's largest family-owned wineries, Andrew Peace Wines is committed to both expansion of their export operations as well as reducing their energy cost. AEES designed and coordinated a number of supply partners for participation in AEMO's Demand Response Initiative (DRI). This program automates the dispatch of grid derived electricity load at critical times as determined by AEMO via the use of a biofuel enabled standby Genset. Partners in this innovative program included; Greensync, EnergyAustralia, Program Logistics Control (PLC) and Renewable Baseload Generators (RPG). Significant earnings have been achieved with over 16 hours of dispatch at upwards of $14,000 per megawatt hour.

The winery has also invested heavily into renewable energy with an existing 200 kW system now complemented with a further 375 kW system installed by AEES using Sunpower's P-19 390W modules.

The combined systems will offset over 760 Metric Tonnes of CO2 and over 20% of the wineries electricity comsumption.

AEES used Sunpower P-19 390 watt modules coupled with SolarEdge DC Optimisation with the aim of maximising system production, with a 25-Year Change out back-to-back warranty.

De Bortoli Winery - 100kW

Over the past few years De Bortoli Wines has changed their thinking and approach to growing grapes and making wine. Climate change has brought with it an urgent imperative to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. De Bortoli's future lies in looking after the health of our soils and plants and carefully managing precious water resources. The Winery is seriously committed to this new approach going beyond mandatory requirements. They are adopting a wide range of innovative programs and practices including; Water management, biological farming, adoption of renewable energy at a number of their vineyards, and a careful overhaul of the company's packaging and waste management practices. The ultimate – and achievable – goal is to be a 'Zero Waste Wine Company'.

Focusing on Renewable Energy AEES Group was engaged to design, install and commission a ground mount 100 kW Solar PV system for the Winery restaurant at Dixons Creek. The array has been custom-designed and mounted on a 35° north facing hillside adjacent to the restaurant car park. While sustainability is primary motivation, their current electricity tariff increase in 2018 of over 100% also provided significant incentive.

Due to the profile of the restaurant load, the system is designed to have a high impact of up to 60% grid derived energy reduction. The annual saving against their current tariff will be reduced by around $40,000 per year. The Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) will drop from 28.1 c/kWh to around 10 c/kWh. The high impact is enhanced by the daytime load profile of the restaurant operations.

AEES used the Sunpower P-19 325 watt modules coupled with SolarEdge DC Optimisation with the aim of maximising system production, with a 25-Year Change out back-to-back warranty.

Austco Polar Cold Storage - 450 kW

Established in 1987, Austco Polar Cold Storage is an Australian owned and operated temperature controlled storage facility. Due to the nature of cold storage operation, inherent to the business is high energy consumption and costs. By using Sunpower P19 390W solar modules net energy savings are forecast to be 35% to 40%. Additional infrastructure includes standby FG Wilson 770kVA Genset which is fully synchronised to both solar PV and Grid to maintain uninterrupted power supply to all critical loads.

Through other projects in collaboration with AEES Group, parent company Wingara Ag (ASX: WNR) are expecting an approximate reduction in total net energy consumption of between 30% to 40% from a total of 5.925 MW of installed solar capacity. This includes the 275 kW JC Tanloden solar PV installation.

Ballarat Golf Club - 160 kW

Due to the 2017/18 increase in energy prices the Ballarat Golf Club was incurring considerably higher electricity expenses each month - in excess of $10,000. The club management undertook an extensive investigation into potential use of solar power alternatives. AEES Group's financial modelling and cost benefit analysis allowed the club to make an informed decision and subsequently, AEES was appointed to install a 160 kW Solar Embedded Generator.

The breakeven for the project was below five years and fully financed by the clubs bank. The aim being to "pay for the system out savings made from the electricity bill" No upfront costs were incurred with savings being earned from Day One. The Solar PV system is guaranteed by AEES to generate 231,000 kWh of solar electricity. Both Grid-Side and Solar-Side consumption/production is monitored live via the cloud by AEES, with automatic fault detection and reporting for each individual component in the installation.

AEES used the Sunpower P-19 395 watt modules coupled with SolarEdge DC Optimisation with the aim of maximising system production, ensuring 25-Year Change out back-to-back warranties and maximising space on roof.

The General-Thin-Film Glass Facade

Located in the heart of Northcote stands The General, a unique multi-residential project by C.Kairouz Architects marks a milestone achievement. Pushing design boundaries, it is the first residential building in Australia to use photovoltaic glass on a facade, providing high-quality and sustainable architecture. The project was designed by CK Architects, supplied by Onyx Solar and installed by AEES Group under contract with Valeo Construction the project builders.

JC Tanloden - 275 kWp - DC Optmised Solar System

JC Tanloden is the leading supplier of Fodder to Meat & Dairy Farmers throughout Asia.

With the company coming off their energy contract, the new tariff meant unsustainable increases in electricity pricing. AEES Group was engaged to model a renewable solutions with the primary aim of energy cost reduction. In this project we have used the Sunpower P-19 390 watt modules using Solaredge DC Optimisation with the aim of maximising system production, ensuring 25-Year Change Out back-to-back warranties and space on roof.

Lamattina Farms - 300 kWp DC Optmised Solar Power Plant

Established in 1991 Rocky Lamattina & Sons P/L has emerged as an icon in the Fresh Produce Markets around Australia. They are able to process up to 600 tonnes per week and pride themselves in being the most consistent carrot producers’ in Australia. The development of Rocky Lamattina & Sons is based on the use of the best available technology, experience, and hard work.

AndPak Packaging - 285kWp Solar Embedded Generator

Andpak is Australia’s leading regional manufacturer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) products. The company offers a wide range of products for packaging and building applications for the fruit and building industries.

With the aim of reducing their energy cost AEES was asked to model both renewable and energy efficiency solutions for AndPak.
Location: Mildura, VIC

IGA - 100 kWp Solar PV System

Working with the Property Owner and their financial planners, AEES Group provided a solution to support energy cost reduction as well as improve sustainability for the tenant operating the successful IGA.

Kathmandu Distribution Centre - 100 kWp Solar Power Plant

Kathmandu are a leading retailer of clothing and equipment for travel and adventure in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. The team at Kathmandu have a firm corporate social responsibility strategy, holding environmental action as one of their core values.

When construction started on their new Melbourne Distribution Centre energy efficiency and renewable generation were a key component. The AEES Group in conjunction with their builder Qanstruct tailored an innovative smart module solution utilising the very best technology with Trina's latest 'Smart' module chosen in conjunction with ABB inverters. With only two weeks designated in the construction process to deliver the project our team meticulously planned out the installation and procurement time-frames to ensure budget and construction targets were met.

Cairnlea Town Centre – 50 kWp DC Optimised Solar Power Plant

Working with our embedded network partner - Urbis Electrical, a 50 kWp solar power plant was installed for the Cairnlea Town Centre, hosting Coles Supermarket, Australia Post and 30 other local businesses. The system is initially aimed at offsetting common area electricity, with the net benefit allowing the property owner to better leverage their embedded network investment while also offering their tenants a lower rate for common area electricity.

Old Oak Orchard - 100 kWp Solar Power Plant

Old Oak Orchards is a premium apple, cherry and berry grower supplying produce to Melbourne's top-end independent retailers and restaurants. The owners Andrew & Gavin Corbett have three separate farms over 70 Hectares located in the beautiful Yarra Valley region of Victoria.

Andrew & Gavin trusted in AEES Group to supply, install and commission the largest system ever adopted in the region. The system is utilising the latest technology available on the market with Trina 'Smart Modules' allowing individual module and inverter monitoring and increased system yield. AEES Group were able to successfully negotiate the system through with the local Network Distributor via the installation of a new protection relay board, the first of it's kind installed in the area. Due to this the project was delivered on time and within budget.

Australian Consolidated Dairies - 120 kWp Solar Power Plant

Australian Consolidated Milk (ACM) is Australia’s fastest growing dairy company and is proudly Australian owned. They collect and process milk from their suppliers and then deliver the highest quality dairy products directly to end-customers in the domestic and export markets.

The team at ACM have a firm strategy to keep their overheads low so that they can best support their valued suppliers. Demonstrating their ability to innovate, they trusted in AEES Group to deliver a large scale solar pilot at one of their personally owned Dairies near Shepparton.The AEES Group were provided the ability to implement the latest in solar technology, utilising DC optimised 'Smart' Modules to increase overall system yield. After the first quarter the system has delivered savings in excess of AEES Group predictions, with solar now becoming a key component of their cost-reduction strategy throughout their property network.

St Joseph's College - 60 kWp Solar Power Plant

St Joseph’s College has a proud and rich history in the Sunraysia area of north-western Victoria. Commencing in 1906, the Sisters of Mercy have provided continuous commitment to education in the region for over 100 years.After recently acquiring a multi-million dollar basketball stadium the College wanted to make it the show piece of their property network. As part of this and their firm sustainability strategy they took the opportunity to install a 60 kW solar system.

The AEES Group were appointed as the preferred supplier by St. Josephs, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and the Sisters of Mercy in Melbourne after clearly demonstrating our professional approach throughout the selection process. All parties trusted in AEES Group to deliver an aesthetically pleasing solar show piece to complement their new stadium.

St Joseph's College Main Campus - 100 kWp Solar Power Plant

Based on the performance of the AEES Group installed 60kWp Solar on the St Joseph’s College stadium, AEES Group was invited to install a further 100kWp Solar PV system on Main School Campus. To maximise the latest technology we elected to install a Solaredge DC Optmised platform which supports live monitoring for both grid consumption and each individual panel wattage output. The benefit of this approach is based on ensuring whoe-of-system maximum output while guaranteeing each and every solar PV panel is producing as per the system design.

Fingers Apple Orchard

The Fingers Apple Orchard is a well-established family run business located in the beautiful Yarra Valley region of Victoria. Run by ex Victorian Farmers Federation president Sue Finger and her husband David the orchard is renowned for its quality produce, with the personal favourite of the AEES Group being David's specially grown Jazz Apple.

David & Sue took the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by installing a 40kW solar system. The system is forecast to generate 61% of their daylight electricity requirements throughout the orchard with their first electricity bill delivering net savings after their loan re-payment.

St Joseph's Primary

St Joseph's Primary School, also in the Sunraysia region of North-West Victoria, took the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to teaching sustainability principles by adopting a 20 kW solar system.

The business case was prepared in consultation with the Catholic Education Office Ballarat (CEOB) using AEES’s Group Cost-Benefit Audit Tool (CBAT). AEES identified that a 20kW Solar PV system would deliver the greatest return on investment and 10 year electricity savings.The installed solar system has so far delivered a $472 credit to their first electricity bill. Additional benefits have been accrued through student learning projects as well as a reduction in the school’s carbon footprint.

Advanced Cabinetry

After a discussion with Advanced Cabinetry about their concerns regarding escalating energy costs, AEES Group ran through a customised cost benefit audit to explain the significant business savings as a result of deploying a 30 kW solar system. After receiving quotes from other providers, Advanced Cabinetry decided to proceed with the AEES Group recommendations, based on the quality of the equipment and advice received. The end result was the installation of a 30 Kw solar system with estimated first year savings of $11,567 per annum.

Atlanta Fruit Sales - 80kWp

Atlanta Fruit Sales prides itself on the freshness and quality of its produce. All apples are grown locally at its orchard on the Mornington Peninsula,
and it is the only Market supplier of the two latest varieties – Green Star and Kanzi. Atlanta also specialises in avocados and stocks a complementary
vegetable range to its vast fruit offerings. .

Location: Moorooduc, Vic

System Size: 80 kWp

Intec Mildura

Int Tec Mildura is a progressive IT firm and has been involved in major IT projects across Victoria and is attracting customers from around the state and Australia wide since 1999. The business focus of Int Tec Mildura is the provision of quality, specialist technical support.

Matthew's and Associates Pty Ltd

Northern Territory - 100 kW Solar Plant

After a competitive commercial process AEES Group was appointed to supply, install and commission a 100 kW solar plant at the remote farm in the Northern Territory. In the installation both Power Factor Correction and Zero Export Control measures were mandated by the Network Distributor, putting in place a first ever trial on the Northern Territory Network.

Priest Brothers Orchards - 30kWp

Priest Bros Orchards. Pty Ltd is a fruit and tree nut farm which has been around for 19 years longer than the typical organisation in Australia, and 17
years longer than the average fruit and tree nut farm. A 30kWp solar PV system installed and specifications included 120 x 250w Canadian solar panels,
3 x kw Aurora inverters.'

St Mary's Robinvale

St Mary’s School offers a unique educational experience in that it caters for students from Prep to Year 8. St Mary’s School is a Catholic Educational Community where knowledge, enlightened and enlivened by faith, is shared by teachers, students and parents in the spirit of freedom and love.

Staples Apples and Cherry Orchard

A modern orchard pleasantly located in Main Ridge,specialising in a new and old mix of varieties of quality apples and cherries. Staples Apples and Cherry Orchard was very keen to find renewable energy solutions that would help to develop a good, reliable return on its investment. For the client, the ability to diversify into other areas and find alternative ways of generating income was of particular importance. There was a need to offset the risks associated with their core business and find ways to create more certainty for the future.

Summer Snow Juice - 80kWp

Summer Snow Juice is a family owned business making apple juice from 100% Australian fruit. The Russo family is a third generation family business that has been growing fruit since 1952 and making variety specific apple juice for nearly 20 years.